Category Manager

Work arrangement

Full 5-day work in the office

The Role

As a Category Manager, you will be responsible for managing and driving growth within your assigned product categories, with a focus on revenue generation, profitability, and customer satisfaction. You will lead and mentor a team of Key Account Managers (KAMs) to ensure seller performance aligns with Lazada’s objectives and expected performance outcomes.

You will develop category-specific strategies, drive promotional activities, and build strong relationships with top sellers to optimize assortment, pricing, and product visibility.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Category Strategy Development and Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for assigned product categories, aligned with overall company goals.
• Identify market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to define category-specific growth opportunities.
• Establish category sales targets, margin goals, and other key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive business performance.

Team Leadership and Key Account Management Supervision

• Lead, coach, and manage a team of KAMs to ensure they support sellers effectively and achieve their targets.
• Set clear objectives and performance metrics for KAMs, ensuring they align with category strategy and company goals.
• Provide guidance to KAMs on account planning, relationship management, and performance improvement, ensuring sellers maximize their potential on the platform.

Assortment and Inventory Management

• Collaborate with KAMs and Category Operations to curate and optimize product assortment within the category, ensuring a broad and relevant selection for customers.
• Work with sellers to maintain adequate stock levels and improve inventory planning, minimizing out-of-stock situations and enhancing fulfillment rates.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including supply chain and logistics, to ensure seamless inventory management.

Pricing and Promotion Optimization

• Develop and implement pricing strategies that are competitive, drive conversion, and align with category profitability goals.
• Plan and execute category-specific promotions, working closely with the marketing team to maximize visibility and sales.
• Monitor and adjust pricing and promotional strategies based on market conditions, competitive analysis, and customer demand trends.

Competitive Benchmarking & Market Intelligence

• Conduct regular competitive analysis to understand positioning, pricing strategies and new market opportunities
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations to identify opportunities for differentiation and growth.

Seller Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key sellers within the category, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Conduct regular business reviews with top sellers, providing insights and recommendations for growth opportunities.
• Support KAMs in their efforts to strengthen seller relationships, ensuring consistent communication, trust, and mutual success.

Data Analysis and Performance Monitoring

• Analyze category performance data, including sales, margins, and customer behavior, to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize insights to make data-driven decisions, optimize assortment, and refine category strategies.
• Regularly report on category performance and provide updates to senior management, highlighting successes and areas for improvement.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with other departments, such as marketing solutions, retail, campaigns, livestream, product, and customer service, to support category initiatives.
• Coordinate with the marketing solutions and campaigns teams to develop and implement targeted campaigns that drive traffic and sales within the category.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in category management, merchandising, or account management within e-commerce or retail. Experience managing teams, particularly KAMs, is preferred.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities with a data-driven mindset; proficiency in analyzing sales data, market trends, and customer insights.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute long-term category plans
• Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate with sellers and brands for optimal pricing, promotion and investment.
• Adaptability: Adaptability to navigate and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic e-commerce environment.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven experience in leading and developing teams, with a focus on mentoring and driving performance.
• Customer-Centric Focus: Passion for understanding customer needs and optimizing product categories to enhance the shopping experience.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of pricing, promotions, and profitability levers within e-commerce.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required; a degree in business, marketing, or a related field is preferred.